Linksys by Cisco Wireless Home Audio system debuts at CES

Cisco has moved into the music market with the launch of the Linksys by Cisco Wireless Home Audio system at CES.

The company says the Wireless Home Audio system utilises DLNA and Wireless-N technology "to deliver a rich audio experience to any room in the home".

Users can use the system to listen to the same song throughout the entire home, or send different music to customised zones.

As well as streaming music from your PC, the connected device claims to put millions of songs at your fingertips through integrated internet services such as Rhapsody, AudioLounge, and RadioTime.

An optional Docking Station (the MCCI40) for iPod means content on iPods can be played through any Wireless Home Audio device on the network.

The Wireless Home Audio product family includes three options for playback devices, the all-in-one Conductor, the Director and the Player.

A Wireless-N Controller (the DMWR1000) provides touchscreen access to all available audio from anywhere in the home.

The Conductor DMC350 Wireless-N Digital Music Center is described as a complete, portable, self-contained wireless music system with integrated speakers that can be used to bring music to any room of the home.

It features a 7-inch LCD touchscreen, an integrated CD player and an IR Remote is included.

The Director DMC250 Wireless-N Music Player with Integrated Amplifier features a 50-watt per channel integrated amplifier, includes a line in and out to connect to speakers and Its full colour LCD display makes navigating through your music library simple. An individual IR Remote is included.

The Player DMP100 Wireless-N Music Extender allows you to access digital music from existing stereo or surround sound systems in the home. The compact device is said to be the "ideal" option to extend music to any room in the home using existing audio equipment. An individual IR Remote is included.

The Stereo Speaker Kit DSPK50 is designed to compliment the Director. Users can pair them to create "a complete, high-quality wireless sound system".

The Wireless Home Audio products - separately and in various bundled kit forms - will be available in the United States first with availability planned for Denmark and The Netherlands during the first quarter of 2009.

The Director will cost $449.99/449.99 euros, the Player will be $299.99/299.99 euros, the Stereo Speaker Kit will cost $149.99/149.99 euros, the Controller will be $349.99/349.99 euros and the iPod dock will cost $79.99/79.99 euros.